GEPB approves DOE spending priorities

by Janjeera Hail

Guam - The Guam Education Policy Board approved a resolution detailing the Department of Education's spending priorities for the remainder of this fiscal year during last night's board meeting. Board Chairman Joe San Agustin says although they adopted the $196.3 million budget, the board is compelled to submit a $26 million supplemental request to ensure that students receive an adequate education.

"We asked them," he said.  "We told them what the school needs for the fiscal year, they didn't give us. And if you notice the resolution, and every time we submit a resolution to the Guam legislature, we're very specific for where the money is needed."

The resolution also reaffirms the 3.5% pay increase for full time certified classroom teachers, school guidance counselors and school librarians. The amount of the increase was determined back in 2007 by the Civil Service Commission and the Legislature.